TORONTO (Jan. 20) — For more than 2½ years, in what is often described as the National Hockey League’s toughest media market, it’s been “hands off the head coach”. That privilege, it seemed, arrived in our town with the largest… Read More

TORONTO (Oct. 31) — While watching the Maple Leafs get stunningly out–played by the San Jose Sharks in northern–California Monday night (the 3–2 final score did not reflect the lop–sided essence of the match), it occurred to me that the… Read More

TORONTO (Oct. 17) — Barring a protracted injury–absence, Auston Matthews will undoubtedly score between 50 and 60 goals this season for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Should be count 55, he’ll break the franchise record that Rick Vaive established in 1981–82.… Read More

TORONTO (Sep. 13) — The loudest voices in town are calling for a championship. No fooling.
Two years after finishing dead–last in the National Hockey League, and three years after the most disgraceful showing of the post–Harold Ballard era, the… Read More

TORONTO (June 11) — Given multiple reports in the past ten days of their interest in veteran forward Ilya Kovalchuk, it appears the Maple Leafs may not be willing to sit around and “look pretty” next season.
The majority of… Read More

TORONTO (May 6) — If I were Lou Lamoriello, GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs, my thought–process during the summer would be two–fold: a) hoping that the elite youngsters on the hockey club can follow up their rookie efforts in… Read More

TORONTO (Mar. 11) — Here’s a prediction for the 2017 Stanley Cup final that would have drawn loud gagging noises if made prior to the season: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild in a battle of the two most–recent National… Read More

TORONTO (Nov. 18) — If the Calder Trophy were awarded today, there’s little doubt that Patrik Laine of the Winnipeg Jets would be the winner with a league–best 12 goals in 19 games. But, Mitch Marner of the Maple Leafs… Read More

TORONTO (June 24) — In the course of 99 years, there have been myriad turning points for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Three, in particular, stand out to this day… with Auston Matthews in the on–deck circle.
The most significant factors… Read More

TORONTO (May 16) — Back in time, it was major–junior hockey. Today, it is minor–professional.
Only the name has been constant — the Toronto Marlies.
Young fans near and far may not realize the American Hockey League’s best team this… Read More

TORONTO (Jan. 30) — Next weekend, in Santa Clara, Calif., the eyes of the football world will gaze upon its brightest young star as 26–year–old Cam Newton of Atlanta quarterbacks the favored Carolina Panthers against the Denver Broncos in Super… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Mar. 12) — Among the myriad issues debated throughout this frightful Toronto Maple Leafs season is ranking it amid the many–such disasters in team history. A subjective exercise, to be sure; much like rating the National… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Jan. 6) — If at first you don’t succeed, try 19 more times.
That may not sound particularly functional but how often, in nearly half–a–century, has such a term been applied to the Toronto Maple Leafs?… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Aug. 22) – So, Tim Leiweke hangs around long enough as CEO of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment to oversee structural and cultural change in the hockey department. He bids adieu, ideally in his mind, with… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (Aug. 16) – Though cynical minds have long dominated Leafs Nation – and with reason – the parallel drawn between current and former regimes is confusing. This anomaly came to light again with the upbeat announcement… Read More

By HOWARD BERGER
TORONTO (July 16) – Jesus, I’m old.
How many reading this remember where they were at 9:32 a.m. EDT 45 years ago today? If they were around 45 years ago today?
I didn’t think so.
At the… Read More

By HOWARD BERGERTORONTO (Mar. 7) – With the Maple Leafs solidly in playoff contention midway through the NHL season, Randy Carlyle is being lauded for his coaching acumen. And, why not? Through 24 games, Leafs have performed energetically, boisterously … Read More

By HOWARD BERGERTORONTO (Jan. 10) – It is hardly a bulletin that bombastic people in the work-force are most likely to fall on their own sword. Brian Burke is merely the latest example – terminated, on Wednesday, as president … Read More

Who is

Howard Berger

Hockey/baseball reporter at THE FAN-590 for 23 years (1988-2011), and original from September 1992 launch of Canada’s first all-sports radio station. Covered Toronto Blue Jays 1992 and 1993 World Series victories. Started with Leafs full time in 1994. Enjoying life with my family (kids Shane and Lauren).